After using flat diapers for many years, I decided it was time to try something a little bit different – bamboo/cotton flat diapers! My main question was, “are they worth the extra money?” While bamboo flat diapers are not even close to being expensive when compared to fitteds and AIO’s that cost $20 or more, for someone on a very strict budget, the difference between $2 for cotton and $3 for bamboo could be an issue.
I decided to buy my bamboo flats from Diaper Junction. They are the “Diaper Rite” brand and prices are as follows: 1 dozen in size small is $33.95 ($2.83 per diaper) and 1 dozen in size large is $39.95 ($3.33 per diaper).
We’ve had these for over a year now, and they are the same diapers I used in this year’s Flats and Handwashing Challenge. Diaper Rite bamboo flats are made from 55% rayon from bamboo and 45% organic cotton birdseye. Smalls measure roughly 27″ x 27″ before washing, and larges are 32″ X 32.” Because of the natural birdseye fabric, these flats are not going to be perfect squares after you prep them.
My measurements of the large after shrinkage: 25×30.
One of the easiest ways to use a flat diaper is with the pad fold. Here’s an easy photo tutorial for you to follow. Once you’ve folded it, just lay in a cover and put on your baby. Here is a master table of additional flat diaper folds.
Once pad folded, this diaper measures about 13 inches long by 5.5 inches wide, so the dimensions are very similar to a standard bamboo or microfiber insert.
Fit: One of the nicest thing about flat diapers is that they can be folded in many different ways. This customizes both absorbency and fit. Because of that fact, my recommendation is that unless you will be diapering a newborn, or have a very petite baby, go ahead and get size large like I did since you can fold them to fit even a younger infant. Here’s how to fold a flat super small so it will fit in a newborn cover.
These two pictures illustrate how customizable flat diapers are:
Performance: Bamboo flats are noticeably softer than cotton flats. That’s the first benefit I noticed. They also absorb more. While the difference may not be dramatic it is definitely noticeable. For us, that means using less doublers and extra inserts – sometimes none at all. With cotton flats we would have to add absorbency or double up the diapers. But Ingrid can wear one bamboo flat alone for a nap.
Unless you are pad folding, you will need a diaper fastener or pin to secure flats to your baby. Both Snappi and Boingo fasteners work great for this.
Care: Flat diapers are easy to wash and quick to dry because they are only one layer of fabric. Wash as usual with all your other diapers and either machine or line dry. However, keep in mind that bamboo is a bit more delicate than cotton. Diaper Junction recommends only very occasional bleaching, and only if needed. To spot clean your flats, try a stain stick like Buncha Farmers. For very stubborn stains, you can do an Oxiclean soak before washing. Hang dry the diapers in full sun to fade stains even more.
If you don’t have a washing machine or want to avoid the laundromat, here is how I hand wash flat diapers.
Value: I think bamboo flat diapers are definitely worth the extra money, if you can swing it. As mentioned above, they are not just softer, they are also more absorbent, so they can save you money on extra inserts, or having to purchase more flats so you can double up. I think these factors justify the price of a few more dollars. I don’t know of one mother who has purchased these buttery soft and thirsty bamboo flats and regretted it!
You can purchase Diaper Rite bamboo flats at my affiliate, Diaper Junction, and get free shipping on purchases over $39. So if you pick up a dozen of the flats and a waterproof diaper cover to go along with them, you can easily qualify for the free shipping.
Giveaway: CLOSED I’m giving away 1 dozen bamboo Diaper Rite flats! Winner chooses size (small or large). This giveaway is open to both US and Canadian residents and ends on August 17th. Good luck!
This is fantastic! I really like the idea of flats. For the flats challenge didnyounhandwash—and was it hard to get it really clean?
Yes, we did hand washing and it was easy to clean and rinse and dry since there’s only 1 layer of fabric. ~Anne
What kind of detergent did you use? also, do you think these will dry if hung inside the house now that fall and winter are coming up?
For the challenge I used Persil, but also use Tide sometimes. These will dry better inside if you drape them over a drying rack or on clothes hangers.
I’m due in October and I’m most excited to try flats for some reason. Thanks for this giveaway!
I’m going to be cloth diapering from day 1, how long do you think I’d be able to use the small flats for? Would I need to size up as she grows?
Maybe just the first 1 or 2 months, Sarah, and you would definitely need to size up to a large after that. It would also depend on the size of your newborn and how heavy a wetter he/she is. ~Anne
I love the Diaper Rite flats! I would love to bulk up or stash with more of them, they will definitely be used!
I’d like most to try the diaper rite aio diaper
I LOVE our diaper rite bamboo flats and prefolds! The price can’t be beat and they work so well! They hold my 14 month old longer than any other diaper and are so trim! I sold off my more expensive diapers to buy mainly flats and prefolds and had money left over!
I’ve always wanted to try these flats! We have some of their bamboo prefolds and love them
Worth every use…
I so want to try these! I love my bamboo prefolds and have been so sad that diaper junction doesn’t have the next size of unleashed bamboo prefolds! Bamboo is sooooo soft on sensitive baby skin!
Oops – that should have been “unbleached”
Ooooo I hear the bamboo is just lovely!
My daughter has been talking about adding some flats to her stash. I would love to gift this to her. Thank you for a great giveaway.
I would love to try Diaper Rite bamboo flats!
These would be awesome folded and stuffed in our AppleCheeks! I bet they dry really fast!
i want those bamboo flats!!!! i have tons of cottons ones but i felt one of my friends bamboo ones and oh gosh i need them all
Thank you for the information! I’m new to CD and have been wanting to add some flats to my little stash. I think I’ll get some now.
Wow! This is amazing! Haven’t tried flats yet. We use aio or ai2 diapers. Will give this a try!
Can I use flat in pockets or are inserts the best?
Either works fine. One standard insert will be trimmer, but a pad folded flat will absorb much more.
I never really thought about using flats. We have used pre-folds before, but now that I know how easy they are to use and clean, I’d really love to try the Diaper Rite bamboo flats!
I could sure use some large flats for an upcoming trip for easy clean.
I’ve never tried flats before
Those look super fluffy! Do you have a hard time getting the Snappi to catch? I definitely want to try these
Not at all, Sarah! Both Snappi and Boingo fasteners grip the fabric just fine. ~Anne
I’d love to try a Diaper Rite One bamboo flat! I use prefolds and covers on my 4 month old. I would love to see the difference between bamboo and cotton.
I would like to try DR flats. Most of my stash are AC pockets.. thanks for this!
I think the bamboo flats look really nice.
Id love to try the bamboo flats!!! I am loving bamboo lately!!
I’d like to try the bamboo flats.
Whats better for soaking up pee, flats (bamboo) or prefold (bamboo)? Thanks!
Gloria – good question! The bamboo prefolds are 4x8x4 ply (16 layers) whereas a flat pad folded is 12 layers. So the prefold would be a little more absorbent. ~Anne
I’ve never tried them before and would love to! They look like they would work good for my daughter.
We haven’t tried flats yet but I’m very interested in them!
I love flats. We have been using them for 15 months.
Would love to try the bamboo flats and the snap less fitted also!
Thank you for this review, I was wondering if the extra cost was worth it!
Flats are the best! I love their versatility. Flats and covers were my bulletproof combo for the newborn stage. When they grew into our one-size pockets, I used pad folded flats for the inserts instead of microfiber – more absorbent and no compression leaks!
I would love to try the diaper rite flats. I have heard great things about them!
I used flats on all of my children and still have some that I use as rags 30-40 years later! (Doesn’t that make me sound old!)Plus I got out the box of diapers and handed a few of the best ones down to my daughter to use with her baby. They are a really great value for the money!
Not old, just a veteran mother! Thanks for entering the giveaway, Joanne! ~Anne
I really enjoy thorough reviews on flats, such as this one. Also, I don’t think we have any bamboo flats, but do have a bunch of cotton ones in our stash. I’d love to see the difference! Thanks for all the good info!!
Love our flats and prefolds! Would love to try the bamboo ones. Thanks for doing the giveaway.
Im mostly a pocket girl so id love to try flats!
I would like to try the Diaper Rite Hanging Diaper Pail on their website!
I would love to try Diaper Rite Snapless PRE-FITTED BAMBOO, or bamboo flats!
I just received 3 dozen Diaper Rite cotton prefolds yesterday from Diaper Junction. After reading your review, I wish I had went ahead and bought the bamboo which I had seriously considered. .You spoke well of Diaper Rite so I looked at them along with others and decided to go with Diaper Rite for several reasons for our grandbaby. We only had cotton diapers 26 years ago when we began diapering so I went with what I knew. LOL I am so please to see so many people choosing cloth again and appreciate all the information out there that we didn’t have access to. Thank you.
Deb, I know you’ll love the cotton, too! I’m glad my blog has been helpful, and congrats on the grandbaby! ~Anne
Bamboo flats are my favorite! I’d love to compare Diaper Rite to the other brand I have. They are trim in pockets, and super for overnight. I have camped and hand washed, gone on long car trip vacations, and gone through broken washer and dryer with my flats. They were always easy enough to keep saying ‘no disposables.’
I want to try these flats!
I’d love to try flats. We’re new to cloth and have only tried pockets so far.
Would love to try these bamboo flats!
I really would like to try their flats, but also the bamboo fitted. I just got my first set of fitted diapers and am in love.
I would love to try these flats. I love using ai2s and flats for traveling.
I’d like to try using the Diaper Rite Flat Diapers in bamboo.
I’ve always wanted to try bamboo flats! I did the flats challenge with FST, which worked fine, but these sound so soft and absorbent, I’d love to try them with my newest squish, due in 13 days!
I currently own a dozen of these flats and would love to have more! They are by far my favorites diapers.
I love your blog!! It was so helpful when I first was figuring out what to try for my newborn!
Kaitlin, I’m so glad my reviews have been helpful! ~Anne
I love these flats! They’re so soft and none have stains after 6 months of use. I don’t regret spending $33 on them but I do regret not having night them in large. My son is only 8mo and has already practically outgrown them. Not sure if to cut them in half and use them as boosters in other dipes or just keep using them pad folded in pockets or sell them and get the large. DECISIONS! However, I’d definitely recommend these.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Marisol! ~Anne
I love these flats! By far one of the best diapering products I’ve ever used.
I love using diaper rite prefolds but I have really been wanting to try the bamboo flats.
I would love to try these flats. I’m due September 9th with our 3rd and would like to have more than the bare minimum of diapers. We use fst’s and prefolds with our 2 yr old.
I would like to try some of the large flats. I bought some smalls to use with my newest due in October, but have wondered about using them both as traditional flats and pocket inserts.
Hi!! First off I wanna say for the giveaway I accidentally put just my first name instead of IG name for one of my questions sorry;) (IG: amber2747) next…. you really have me intrigued about the bamboo flats since they are supposed to be more absorbent!!! We’ve used prefolds and currently fsts with the occasional booster so I’ve yet to yet flats, so they would be nice to try with baby #2 who is baking
thanks for the opportunity!!!
I have read this twice now and find this really helpful. It actually helped me make my decision on purchasing DR flats. I did order smalls though…so if love to get s larger set now! Love my flats.
So glad to have helped, Rachel! ~Anne
These sound really interesting. Thank you for sharing : )
The Diaper Rite stuff all looks awesome! I especially like the looks of the bamboo velour wipes. Hard to choose,though.
I would love to try these. So far I’ve used flour sack towels and flannel receiving blankets but I’ve heard such good things about bamboo flats.
I would like to try these. Even though we used pockets, fitted and prefolds, I do prefer flats the most for their versatility and fit. I usually do a kite fold and include an insert when using flats. I’ve never tried the bamboo blends, only the cotton ones, but I’ve seen good reviews on bamboo diapers.
I would really love to have some bamboo flats!!
I love these flats and would love to win a dozen to help fill out the stash I have for my two in cloth <3
I’m going to venture out and try flat diapers. Because of your great review, these are ones I’m wanting to try!
Great review! I haven’t tried diaper rite brand but have a few other second hand bamboo flats and love them. I need some more flats so may check out this brand. Flats are my all time favorite. I use mostly pocket diapers and they are so trim in pockets. I also love all the ways to fold them on baby under covers. I use pins and like that I can get away with one pin, whereas a prefold requires 2 pins.
That’s a great point, Molly, about being able to just use 1 pin with flats! ~Anne
I would like to try either the flats or the bamboo prefolds. I’m not great at folding anything, so I haven’t tried flats yet
I love our Nicki’s small bamboo flats, would love to win a set for my sister in law since she just started using cloth!
I’d love to try these! I used FSTs sometimes when my son was little. Now he’s such a wiggler that we’re mostly doing AIO’s, but I still love flats. There’s something so appealing and comforting about them, I feel connected to my grandmothers
Plus, after just coming home from a vacation and using disposable inserts & covers, I’m thinking flats is going to be a better travel option next time. He gets so sweaty in disposable stuff.
I am curious to try out flats as well as bamboo, but even the newborn in this post looks huge compared to my little one. He’s bigger now, but he was born 1lb. 12oz. Any thoughts on how to find the right fit with a micropreemie? I can’t find any covers to fit him properly, so I want to refine my folding techniques.
Hi Rae-Ann, for a preemie or micro-premie a flat might not be the best option. There are newborn sized bamboo prefolds in the Diaper Rite brand from Diaper Junction. They might be a little bulky but you can fold the front or back down to make them fit. And any cover you use, even newborn, is going to look big on a preemie. Try to find a newborn cover that runs small like the Bummis Super Brite or the Assunta Tiny covers. Here is a post I did that reviews TONS of different newborn covers. http://www.zephyrhillblog.com/2013/01/cloth-diapering-your-newborn-diaper-covers-2/ ~Anne
I’d like to try their pail liner and cotton pre-fitted.
Looking forward to restocking our stash for baby #2! Definitely looking for ways to keep a trim fit, and easy to wash/dry – flats seem like the way to go!
I’ve never tried flats… But I was always too intimidated! But now I see how you made it like an insert and I’d like to try it. I love bamboo products
Gotta hand it to you Anne, you always make your diapers look trim! I love it! I would love to win these for my friend who just started cloth diapering!
Thanks for entering, Anel!
Oh we love flats as I handwashed for almost 2 years!! Id love to try the bamboo ones with #3 on the way! the rainforest cover!
I’d love to start cloth diapering. My husband is hard to convince but since I am a stay at home mom I do have the time to wash diapers instead of using disposables all the time. It is hard to decide on what to buy to get started. I know I want a simple and inexpensive stash of covers and flats but budgeting for a stash is difficult right now with the costs of a new baby at home. I would be thrilled to have a chance to win a set of diaper rite bamboo flats to start myself on the right track with cloth diapering my son. Thank you for this giveaway opportunity.
Ariel, so glad you are getting started with cloth, and I hope you find my blog a helpful resource. Although this Diaper Rite giveaway has ended, there is almost always a cloth diaper giveaway going on at any given time on the blog. Check the Giveaways tab up top! ~Anne